‘I will sleep better’: Pep Guardiola calls Jurgen Klopp his ‘best rival’

Pep Guardiola has called Liverpool’s outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp the “best rival” he ever had after the German on Friday announced that this would be his last season at the Anfield club he took over in 2015 and led to multiple trophies.

“I am a little bit, he’s an absolutely incredible manager and I know I don’t know him closely but he’s an incredible person,” Pep told reporters after his team’s 1-0 FA Cup win at Tottenham.

“I had a feeling that he’s leaving part of us too at Man City as Liverpool have been our biggest rival in his years.

“Personally he has been my biggest rival from when he was at Dortmund and I was at Bayern Munich. He will be missed, personally I will miss. I am pleased because without him I will sleep a little bit better the night before we play against Liverpool! But I wish him all the best.”

Jurgen Klopp and @LFC ❤️

What a journey it's been, and it's not over just yet… pic.twitter.com/IOWsrATZ68

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 26, 2024

Guradiola says Klopp, who has won the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and Super Cup during his spell in chargewith Liverpool will be missed in the Premier League and he believes the Klopp will be back in coaching soon.

“He doesn’t admit it but he will be back,” said Guardiola.

“All the managers will (feel tired) when you’ve done many years, I feel it completely. I felt it at Barcelona so I understand it completely.

A message to Liverpool supporters from Jürgen Klopp. pic.twitter.com/l7rtmxgOzt

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2024

“I think the Premier League is going to miss his charisma, personality and the way his teams play,” added Guardiola.

“They have always been a pleasure to watch how positive they are in their approach. They try to win every game. I wish him all the best.”

Guardiola insisted that he remained full of energy and was ready to see out his contract at City which runs until 2025 – and possibly even extend it. “Do you want to sack me?” he said, with a smile. “I’m fine. There’s still one more year, I want to do it – and maybe I will extend.

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